The Charlie Parker Celebration returns, and Dan Doran is remembered
Tenor saxophonist Tivon Pennicott was still in college when he started touring with jazz guitar great Kenny Burrell. At age 30, he can now also claim a resume that includes performances with Wynton Marsalis and Stevie Wonder, recording sessions with Esperanza Spalding, and two Grammy Awards. After this week and next, he can add to that CV 10 days as artist in residence for Kansas City’s third annual Charlie Parker Festival.
Parker, born and raised Kansas City — and buried in Jackson County — is one of music’s seminal figures. He changed jazz. Pennicott, whose sax tone is rich and whose solos always explore and surprise, is an ideal choice to honor Bird.
Pennicott will be joining Kansas City musicians in clubs every night of the celebration, starting Thursday with Shades of Jade, at the Blue Room. Among the highlights of his tenure: Friday night at the Phoenix, when Pennicott joins Lonnie McFadden; Saturday night at the Art Factory, in Overland Park, with Sons of Brazil; Sunday night, at the Green Lady Lounge, with Phil DeGreg on the first set and Todd Strait on the second set; Tuesday night, at the Majestic, with Hermon Mehari; and Wednesday, at the Westport Coffee House, with Clint Ashlock.
Tuesday might be the festival’s peak. That night, St. Louis native Jeff Robinson brings his one-man Live Bird performance to the Green Lady Lounge. Robinson embodies Parker, recalling his days in Kansas City and performing some of his music. Years ago, after seeing the show in New York, Parker’s wife, Chan, commented, “I knew Charlie as a man and not simply as a musical genius. Jeff portrays the Charlie Parker I knew.”
Unrelated to the Parker events, a jam session at Knuckleheads Sunday night celebrates another big KC musical life: that of Dan Doran. The blues and jazz pianist died August 2, of brain cancer. His music — spicy blues, soulful R&B, and jumpin’ New Orleans-edged jazz — was an area delight for four decades. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. Everyone is invited to bring their remembrances.
Charlie Parker Celebration
Nightly in area clubs, starting Thursday, August 18; see kcjazzalive.org for details
Live Bird
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, at the Green Lady Lounge, 1809 Grand (free)
A Celebration of the Life of Dan Doran
6:30 p.m. Sunday, August 21, at Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester (free)
